To meet outdoors or not to meet outdoors, that was the question on the morning of our Spring ginko. It was officially the first day of Spring, and after some early dark clouds it seems Nature decided perhaps it was time to make the switch after a cold and wet Winter.
Five of us gathered at Olds Park Penshurst – Rita Potente, our convenor for the day, Margaret Mahony, Alison Miller, Ros Pitt and Carol Reynolds. Apologies were received from Kathleen Ann and Patricia Meredith.
On arrival there were ample tables to choose from so we found one, half in sun and half in shade, to suit everyone’s preference. During the meeting, comments were made that some of us may need to bring a little padding in future to put between the wooden bench seat and our bottoms!
We enjoyed morning tea picnic style then it was down to business. It began with reading some haiku written in response to the ‘Focus – Australian Government Photographers’ exhibition at Hurstville Museum & Gallery where our Winter meeting took place. One of Rita’s haiku was inspired by a photo taken in Melbourne 1957 by Neil Murray of the first six Federal Government office blocks under construction. It highlighted the changes in OH&S standards since that time.
Our writing exercise using Rita’s theme of ‘New Beginnings’ inspired both personal and seasonal haiku. These were selected from the haiku bowl and read out in turn. The day was ideal for a ginko walk but an unexpected school gala day was taking place within the park so we decided to just enjoy the sunshine, conversation and our packed lunches for the remainder of our time together.
Until our next meeting in Summer….
Image: From left; Ros Pitt, Carol Reynolds, Margaret Mahony, Alison Miller and Rita Potente.
Report by Carol Reynolds
Australian Haiku Society 